Obituary

Michael “Mike” Birecree
August 11, 1956 – Jan 19, 2023

On Thursday, January 19, 2023, Mike Birecree, a longtime resident of Laguna Niguel, passed away suddenly.

Mike is survived by his son Joey, daughter Michelle, son-in-law Ian, granddaughter Alina and his former spouse, Linda Escalona.

Mike is predeceased by his parents, John and June Birecree. He is survived by brothers Jack (Linda), Tom, Bob (Judy), and Richard.

Mike was the middle child of 5 boys and spent his early years in Rochester, NY. He attended Sacred Heart School (elementary school), and Aquinas Institute (high school), and went to college to further his education in the field of accounting at Plattsburgh State University. Upon graduation, Michael accepted a position with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in 1979 in Los Angeles, California bringing him down to Southern California. Mike resided in Laguna Niguel until God called him back home to be with Him.

Mike truly was a friend to all who knew him. Mike’s friends and friendships during his childhood continue to this day. While many remained in Rochester, others moved around the country, and the bond he shared with all those friends for his entire life will never be forgotten. Many friends fondly remember his early years. Mike participated in many activities during those years. He was a paper boy and Altar Boy. He participated in swimming, boxing, and track and field at Aquinas.

Once in California, Mike began a long and distinguished professional career at the Internal Revenue Service. Much of his career was focused on significant corporate case tax returns with a special focus on financial products. Michael worked for the IRS for 38 years. Upon his retirement in March 2018, he qualified as an Enrolled Agent, after which he started his own tax consulting and preparation of individual tax return business.

Mike met Linda while both were working at the IRS in 1986. They were married in 1988 at St. Edward’s Church in Dana Point and grew their family here in Laguna Niguel, California.

Mike and Linda were blessed with two children named Michelle and Joey. They gave the children a great childhood where they felt loved and nurtured.

Mike will be greatly missed by all who knew his kind and gentle soul.

Mike’s visitation will be on Monday, Feb 20, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at O’Connor Mortuary. A funeral mass will be held at St Edward the Confessor Catholic Church on Feb 21 at 11:00 a.m.